Mauser 8mm model 98 customized to a big bore Winchester 358

[swifty]

Hi folks. Is it possible to take a Mauser 98 in 8 mm action and screw in a
big bore rifle caliber such as a winchester 358 ,a 35 Wheland, or a 38-55?
How would I open up the rails to handel the larger diameter case?
My reason is I like the larger bore calibers and feel that a lower pressure cartridge in a larger bore. This would principally be shooting cast lead bullets at about 1400 to 1600 ft per second . Comments or suggestions for this project.

[gunnut69]

Actually the case diameters for the 358 and the Whelen are nearly enough the same as the 8x57 that no changes would be needed although the 35 Whelen may need the rails clipped for it's longer length and the 358 would benefit from a magazine block to improve feeding.  The 38-55 is a rimmed round and would require fairly extensive modifications to the bolt face and the magazine to get it to feed...  Is it possible?  The short answer is yes the long, it will take some mods to make it work as best it can.

[Big Paulie]

I agree with gunnut.  If you convert to the .358 round, this is a shorter cartridge than the rifle was designed for, and results in a higher angle of feed as the round goes into the chamber, plus a magazine box that is too long (permitting rounds to move forward and backward as the rifle is shot and carried).  These two factors can create very few feeding problems, or lots of feeding problems, just depending on the particular rifle.  The problems can be solved by a good gunsmith, but you are again talking time and money.

   You can avoid all of this by going to the .35 Whelen, which should give you no problems at all and is more versatile than the .358.

Just my thoughts.

Big Paulie

[Steelhead]

Pretty much DITTO to the above. I have seen shorter cartridges work well and NOT work well. I have a VZ-24 in 35 Whelen that was no problem at  all. I would opt for a 1-16" twist if you plan on shooting cast bullets.

[gunnut69]

The above is generally true but please note the 358 can be made to work.  A magazine block and a shortened follower are installed and the problems generally go away.  Also the 35 Whelen in basedf on a LONGER case(admittedly just 5mm or so) and can also cause feed problems, though it most odten doesn't..  The mag block is the way most modern actions(remington, winchester,etc.) solve the problem..  Of course the Whelen IS a bit more versatile?  I've gotta quit talking about this, the urge to start a new project is growing!!

[Judson]

Why not get a pre threaded and short chambered Shilen barrel from Brownells in 35 Whelen, it will screw right in your action.    Now open up the bolt face, cut back the extractor and trim back the rails a bit and stuff a .358 Norma reamer in the thing.   Now you have a 35 with punch if you run full loads or a Whelen power wise if you run light loads.   If you want to cheat you can get by with .338 brass, just run it into the .358 Norma dies and load it.    The neck will be a bit short but this works fine.     By the way the .358 Norma is one of the easiest cartridges to find an accuracy load for I have ever worked with.

[gunnut69]

The 35 Norma is truly a great round but it not for the recoil shy.  Also the 35 Whelen will do for almost anything I can thing of, except perhaps the big bears and I believe there are better rounds for them..   Still if you want the flatest shooting, hardest hitting 35 around the Norma is the way to go..  I believe I'd still prefer the slick feeding and general purpose whelen..  Ain't choices wonderful though?

[Judson]

If it were not for all these choices and stuff these forums would be rather boring but I still vote for the .358 Norma,  then again I am a gunsmith so opening up the bolt face and that other stuff that has to be done is not a problem for me.    Now if you are a hand loader that 300 short mag necked up to 35 might be somthing to think about.